Manga-Inspired Artwork Honors Our Bond with the Spirit Realm

“Ephemeral Sakura”: Celebrating the Transient Charm of Aica’s Enchanted Realm

There exists a profound sense of solace in the whimsical artwork of aica, a Japanese artist currently residing in New York City. With their fanciful, innocent characters and surreal, vibrant landscapes, her creations transport audiences into fantastical realms filled with enchantment.

Aica draws from the influences of Japanese anime, manga, and classic ukiyo-e. Although she has spent several years in New York, her ties to her Japanese heritage feel stronger than ever. “Recently, I find myself creating scenes inspired by Japan—attracted to its serene beauty and essence. The most significant influence from Japanese culture on my artistry is the notion that everything possesses a spirit,” she shares with My Modern Met. “My work embodies this distinctly Japanese perspective—that even inanimate objects hold a soul.”

In numerous pieces by aica, animal companions serve as soothing spirit guides, guiding her characters through otherworldly, spiritually enriched landscapes. In one piece called Moon Child, an adventurous figure rides through the nocturnal sky atop an owl-dragon-like being. In another artwork, From Our Shadows, a girl grieves for her cat as tiny spirit cats drift amidst the stars.

“My creativity often emerges when I yearn for someone who is no longer with me, or when I wish to remain enveloped in cherished memories that occupy my heart—times shared with loved ones, my departed cats, and the simple joys found in daily life with those still by my side,” aica reveals. “When I engage in painting, I continually revisit those sentiments, feeling their presence alongside me, as if they subtly reappear through the hues and illumination.”

Aica aspires for her creations to evoke hope and connection. “Through my art, I convey empathy for what remains unseen yet profoundly felt—emotions, recollections, and the essence of those we yearn for,” she articulates. “I wish for my pieces to provide a moment of tranquility and kindling a gentle spark of imagination in the heart, encouraging others to begin loving someone or something in their surroundings.”

Aica’s breathtaking paintings are presently on display at Corey Helford Gallery in Los Angeles until November 15, 2025, as part of her solo exhibition, Where Petals Dance. Explore some of her works below.

Japanese artist aica crafts enchanting paintings that whisk viewers away into dreamlike realms overflowing with magic.

Her inspirations stem from Japanese anime, manga, and traditional ukiyo-e.

In many of aica’s artworks, animal companions manifest as gentle spirit guides, navigating her characters through ethereal, spiritually infused realms.

Aica: [Website](http://atelieraica.com/) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/aicaart/)

*My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by aica.*